A YOUNG member of the West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association has raised over £1,200 for the new clubhouse after braving ‘Storm Hannah’ to climb the equivalent height of mountain Ben Nevis.
10-year old Evie Platt, who has been learning to sail at the club for two years, ascended Cley Hill near Frome 18 times, equalling 1,345 metres, the height of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Supported by family, friends and sailing club members, Evie completed her ‘virtual mountain climb’ on Saturday 27th April, the same day as the UK received a battering from ‘Storm Hannah’. The climb took roughly seven and a half hours for Evie to complete.
Evie’s father, Andy Platt, told White Horse News, “She is very excited by the fundraising total. There were a couple of last minute donations that boosted the total, but Evie didn’t realise how successful this could be – she is delighted!
“The day started with some trepidation as the weather was blowing a gale. But the strong winds proved to be a positive advantage – after trudging her way to the top, Evie enjoyed the excitement of being blown around by the winds.
“She had good support from her friends and other club members, who all joined in for some of the ascents.”
Commodore of the sailing club, Mat Goodsman said, “Wow! What a fantastic achievement l bet Evie slept well that night! WWYSA would like to congratulate Evie and her supporters for the fantastic amount raised for our new clubhouse building.
“Climbing Cley Hill 18 times is the equivalent of ascending Ben Nevis in height, but add Storm Hannah and the wind that brought and I am sure it felt more like 25 times by the end!
“To achieve 18 times and over £1,200 is phenomenal and we are all extremely grateful. And to think this was all sorted out by a 10 year old – I think she may go far!”
Evie’s fundraising page is still open for donations. To support Evie, visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/evmc
